Why do you love serving your country?

It comes down to perspective, what do I mean? My Grandparents used to ask me to be objective to all things, in other words, is your glass half full or half empty. A person who sees their glass as half full has a positive attitude and works for the best for all around them; while the one who sees his glass half empty always complains and is self centered because nothing goes their way. For those of you whose glass is always half empty, the answer is simple yet true, move to a different country. People who don't think America is special are short sighted, empty and do not like the truth.

Knowing that I was one of the few who would step up and put on that uniform. I surrendered some of my freedoms to ensure the freedoms of others. That is what I am proudest of doing.

My country was good to me. I tried to give something back. I hope I succeeded.

I served because I wanted to be part of something greater than myself, in general I wanted to serve my country.

I served because I felt it was my duty and I was proud to put on the uniform as my Father and Grand Father had done before me. I wanted to do my part to ensure a safe and free home for my wife and children where my Christian values were not compromised. I felt like I had accomplished that until I got out and found that due to the time frame I was active (4 years from 85 to 89) I was not involved in any conflicts so as the American Legion informed me I am not a real veteran but "I can join the auxillery and make pies and quilts with the wives of the real vets"
Regardless... I AM proud of my service and if called I would honor the blank check I wrote to defend My country.

Chicks dig the uniform.

I have a family history of service and followed in their footprints...they were Navy and I don't hold that against them. I feel that we should all serve the country. I wish we had a mandatory service requirement because a lot of our youth could use the help. I feet it eventually made me the man I am today. I'm respectful, disciplined, and a better person.

Family tradition notwithstanding I felt as if it was the right thing to do. I feel that service is the key to uphold our rights of freedom in the United States.

This is a 2 part answer for me.First, my Father served 22 years in the Army. Being an "army brat", the SERVICE was all we knew! My oldest brother went in the Navy, my older brother, that Army. Myself? I didn't like the way my life was headed, and, I NEEDED self discipline! Only the MARINE CORP could give me what I NEEDED!! I think the service is a great way of life, & I believe EVERY CITIZEN SHOULD SERVE their country. Period.

Made me more of a World Citizen and a Better Citizen of that World. 21 years of Travel exposed to many different cultures and as a Geek with an Ubber Clearance I had unlimited access to everything from Intelligence to the Latest Greatest Toys. It fed my need for knowledge.

I do it for my Kids and my Wife and their future.